A bill is on its way to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk that could make it a misdemeanor to assist in transporting a minor across state lines for an abortion without parental permission. If the bill becomes law, offenders could face imprisonment for just under a year.
The Senate concurred with an amended version of Senate Bill 1971 by a vote of 25-4, following its passage in the House with a vote of 74-24.
Senator Paul Rose, a Republican from Covington, emphasized the objective of the bill: to safeguard parental rights and prevent any other adults from aiding a minor in bypassing Tennessee law to obtain an abortion.
Common carriers that transport passengers during regular service, such as buses, trains, and airplanes, are exempted from the amended bill. Additionally, ambulance drivers are also exempted.
Sen. Jeff Yarbro, a Democrat from Nashville, expressed his disappointment with the amendment, stating that it failed to address the concerns he had with the bill. These concerns include the ambiguity of certain terms as well as the bill’s apparent intention to regulate interstate travel and restrict freedom of speech, specifically the communication and dissemination of information protected by the First Amendment.
According to Yarbro, he believes that the bill has not been effective in achieving its intended purpose and still falls short of expectations.
Abortion trafficking, as it would be referred to, can only be avoided if there is signed and notarized parental consent.
In 2019, Tennessee passed a trigger law that became effective 30 days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade.
Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, expressed her concerns about the impact of the bill on herself, her family, friends, and the network that supports pregnant Tennesseans and vulnerable minors seeking necessary care across state lines.
